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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

The Akancha Srivastava Foundation is India’s leading social impact initiative dedicated to advancing cyber safety awareness and education. Established in February 2017, this not-for-profit Section 8 organization is a trusted voice in promoting safe online practices across the nation.

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The Foundation is committed to educating, empowering, and building bridges between the public and authorities on critical cyber safety issues. Additionally, we specialize in forensics training for law enforcement, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.

The post Wedding Invite Scam: Don’t RSVP to Danger! #ASF appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

🚨 Beware of Child Grooming! Protect Your Kids Now! 🚨

Akancha Srivastava — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 04:50:26 +0000

🚨 Beware of Child Grooming! Protect Your Kids Now! 🚨

Child grooming is a sinister process where predators manipulate and gain the trust of children to exploit them sexually. This can happen both in person and online, making it a serious threat in today’s digital world.

In this video, we’ll uncover:

How predators target vulnerable teens online.
The manipulative tactics they use to isolate and control their victims.
The devastating impact grooming has on children and their families.
The warning signs every parent must watch for.
Essential tips on how to prevent grooming and keep your children safe.

🛑 Don’t wait until it’s too late! Learn how to protect your kids from this hidden danger.

The Role of Technology in Grooming:

Access to Vulnerable Children: Groomers use social media, gaming sites, and messaging apps to easily contact and manipulate children.
Anonymity and Deception: Online platforms allow groomers to hide their true identities, often pretending to be peers or trusted adults.
Private Communication Channels: Direct messaging and private chats enable groomers to communicate secretly, escalating their manipulative tactics.
Rapid Trust Building: Frequent and instant communication helps groomers quickly build trust and emotional dependency.
Exploitation of Digital Content: Shared photos or personal information can be used to manipulate or blackmail children.

Tips for Parents:

Educate children on online safety and the importance of privacy.
Use parental controls to monitor and restrict online activities.
Encourage open communication about online experiences.
Monitor social media and messaging apps for suspicious interactions.
Set clear boundaries for internet use and online behavior.

What You’ll Learn In This Video:

How online grooming happens and why teens are vulnerable.
The subtle and dangerous tactics groomers use to exploit children.
Real-life signs of grooming and sexual abuse.
Practical steps parents can take to safeguard their children.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Grooming:

Sudden withdrawal or clinginess.
Unexplained fears or avoiding certain people/places.
Changes in eating, sleeping, or hygiene habits.
Knowledge of sexual behavior beyond their age.
Receiving gifts from unknown sources or being secretive online.

✅ Prevention Tips:

Openly talk about good and bad touch, both online and offline.
Teach critical thinking: Right is right, and wrong is wrong, no matter who’s involved.
Build trust with your child—they should feel safe to share anything with you.
Monitor for any unusual gifts or excessive online secrecy.

🔔 Stay informed and proactive! Protect your children’s future by staying vigilant.

👀 Watch the full video to learn how you can help keep your kids safe.

👉 Don’t forget to:

LIKE this video if you found it helpful.
SUBSCRIBE for more essential tips on cyber safety and protection.
SHARE this video to spread awareness and help protect other families.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

#ChildSafety #DigitalParenting #OnlineSafety #StrangerDanger

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission
The Foundation is committed to educating, empowering, and building bridges between the public and authorities on critical cyber safety issues. Additionally, we specialize in forensics training for law enforcement, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.

The post 🚨 Beware of Child Grooming! Protect Your Kids Now! 🚨 appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

JOB SCAM ALERT! #ASF

Akancha Srivastava — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 10:05:24 +0000

JOB SCAM ALERT! #ASF

In this video, we expose the Fake Job Offer Scam—a cunning scheme that preys on job seekers by offering bogus employment opportunities. Here’s how it unfolds:

How the Scam Works:

Initial Contact: Scammers reach out via email, direct messages, or LinkedIn, offering “high-paying jobs” with prestigious companies or even government agencies. The messages look professional, often using official logos and enticing job descriptions.
Request for Personal Information: Victims are asked to provide sensitive personal details, such as Social Security Numbers, bank details, or even copies of their passports, under the guise of a background check.
Upfront Fees: Scammers demand upfront payments for background checks, visa processing, training materials, or “security deposits,” promising reimbursement later.
Fake Job Offer Letter: Victims receive a convincing job offer letter, further solidifying the scam. Additional fees may be requested for office supplies or equipment.
No Job, No Payment: Once the payments are made, the scammers vanish, leaving victims without a job and out of pocket.

Why This Scam is Dangerous:

Identity Theft: Scammers exploit personal data for identity theft and financial fraud.
Financial Loss: Victims lose money on nonexistent services or fake processing fees.
Emotional Toll: The combined hope for a job and financial loss can cause severe emotional stress.

Protect Yourself:

Verify the Source: Always confirm job offers through the company’s official website or HR department.
Never Pay for a Job: Legitimate employers don’t ask for upfront payments. If they do, it’s a red flag.
Watch for Red Flags: Be wary of poor grammar, generic job descriptions, and suspicious email addresses.
Use Trusted Platforms: Stick to verified job portals and listings from reputable companies.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Stay cautious and informed.

⚠️ Don’t fall victim to this scam! Share this video with friends and family to spread awareness. Together, we can fight against cybercrime.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel for weekly cyber safety tips and updates. Stay cyber smart, stay cyber strong! 💪

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

#ChildSafety #NoSmartphonesForKids #DigitalParenting #OnlineSafety #StrangerDanger

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post JOB SCAM ALERT! #ASF appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Should Kids Have Phones Before 14? Let’s Talk. #ASF

Akancha Srivastava — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 06:24:35 +0000

Should Kids Have Phones Before 14? Let’s Talk. #ASF

Should children under 14 have phones? Yes—but absolutely no internet access! Here’s why:

🚫 The Internet Is a Minefield
Unrestricted internet access exposes kids to harmful content—violence, explicit materials, and even online predators. Do you really want them to have unlimited access to wars, beheading videos & images? Instead, provide a basic flip phone for essential communication. For schoolwork, research, or safe online playtime, let them use a desktop or laptop in a shared space where you can supervise.

📵 Social Media? Not Before 16
Social media platforms make children vulnerable to stranger danger and child grooming. Alarmingly, over 90% of offenders in such cases are known to the child. Researchers highlight that puberty is a delicate time—children are dealing with hormonal changes, emotional struggles, academic pressure, and identity issues. Adding the chaotic world of social media to this mix can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion.

🏫 No Phones in Classrooms
Class rooms are for learning, not distractions. Allowing phones during school hours only hampers focus and discipline. A simple comparison: Did we bring TVs to school? Phones serve no educational purpose in this context. Schools must enforce rules like depositing devices upon entry to ensure children stay attentive and disciplined.

🧠 Puberty Is a Turning Point
Experts emphasize that puberty is a crucial phase of physical and emotional development. It’s when children are most impressionable yet vulnerable. Introducing the overwhelming influences of social media at this stage can disrupt their growth and make them more susceptible to risks like cyberbullying, comparison anxiety, and harmful influences.

👨‍👩‍👧 Build Trust, Not Fear
Curious, intelligent kids will make mistakes—that’s how they learn. Ensure they trust you enough to confide in those mistakes. Talk openly about the dangers of sexting, online predators, and overexposure to technology. If your child fears you more than they trust you, they’ll suffer in silence.

💡 Set the Right Example
Your behavior shapes your child’s habits. Spend time online together, understand their interests, and create a balanced approach to screen time. Lead by example to help them navigate the digital world responsibly.

💬 Need Help?
Starting these conversations isn’t always easy. If you need guidance, our team is here to support you. Let’s work together to ensure your child’s safety, confidence, and growth in this digital age.

👉 Watch the full video for actionable tips and share your thoughts below!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

#ChildSafety #NoSmartphonesForKids #DigitalParenting #OnlineSafety #StrangerDanger

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

AkanchaSrivastavaFoundation #CyberSafety Event Mumbai

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Should Kids Have Phones Before 14? Let’s Talk. #ASF appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

DON’T FALL FOR THIS INSTAGRAM VOTING SCAM! #ASF

Akancha Srivastava — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 08:06:35 +0000

DON’T FALL FOR THIS INSTAGRAM VOTING SCAM! #ASF

🚨 **INSTAGRAM VOTING FRAUD ALERT!**

🚨 Cybercriminals are preying on our impatience, urgency, and multitasking habits — and one of their latest tricks is **Instagram Voting Fraud**. It looks innocent: A friend, family member, or colleague messages you asking for a quick favor — “Vote for me in this contest!” Sounds harmless, right? But one wrong click could cost you **your account, your data, or even your money**

Here’s how it works:

👉 You get a DM from someone you know.

👉 They ask you to click a link or provide an OTP.

👉 You think, “It’s just a vote, I’ll do it quickly.”

👉 **Boom! You’re hooked.

** Your Instagram account could get hacked, your personal info stolen, or your phone’s data locked with a ransom demand.

**How to Stay Safe:**

✅ **Don’t rush.** Take a breath and think before you click.

✅ **Call or verify** with the person who sent you the request.

✅ **Never share OTPs** — even if it looks like it’s from a friend.

✅ **Turn off unnecessary notifications** so you can stay focused and avoid panic-driven decisions.

Cybercriminals are counting on you to act fast. But you’re smarter than that. Slow down, verify, and **stay cyber safe**. 💡 Found this helpful? Hit the **LIKE** button, **SUBSCRIBE** for weekly cyber safety tips, and **SHARE** this video to protect your friends and family from scams like this. Let’s create a safer online community together!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

Email: TeamAkancha@gmail.com

Twitter: @AkanchaS https://twitter.com/AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas https://www.instagram.com/akanchas/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akanchasrivastava1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akanchasrivastava/

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ leads India’s largest social impact initiative for cyber safety. It was founded in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization. Honorary Board of Advisors Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)

Mission of the Foundation

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities on matters of cyber safety. Foundation also conducts forensics training for law enforcement.

The post DON’T FALL FOR THIS INSTAGRAM VOTING SCAM! #ASF appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

YOU ARE INVITED! JOIN US FOR A CYBER SAFETY DISCUSSION WITH EXPERTS

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:06:01 +0000

YOU ARE INVITED! JOIN US FOR A CYBER SAFETY DISCUSSION WITH EXPERTS

Inviting you to an open discussion on staying safe from everyday cyber threats and familiarizing with processes. Share your concerns with us, let the experts answer

All are welcome. Definitely get your family, kids along!

PS – we are doing this at one of the nicest bookstores in Mumbai #TitleWaves

Please support local bookstores, they are shrinking fast. Buy from them, take young kids there.

The post YOU ARE INVITED! JOIN US FOR A CYBER SAFETY DISCUSSION WITH EXPERTS appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

HOLIDAY BLUES? IT’S THE INSTAGRAM EFFECT! #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:09:30 +0000

HOLIDAY BLUES? IT’S THE INSTAGRAM EFFECT! #AAH

It’s the holiday season, end of a rather roller coaster year for a lot of people. And just like holiday season at the end of every year, there are a lot of people experiencing holiday blues especially when they look at the alleged picture perfect lives of others on social media which triggers emotions of loneliness, inadequacy, low self-worth, comparison.

Let’s see what can we do to address this holiday depression.

Acknowledge Social Media’s Distorted Reality

Perception vs. Reality: Platforms like Instagram often present highly curated, filtered images of people’s lives, highlighting only the good moments, while ignoring struggles or mundane aspects. This can create a false perception that everyone else is constantly on vacation, having perfect relationships, or living an ideal life.
Impact on Mental Health: This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and depression, particularly during holidays or weekends when people compare their lives to what they see online. It’s important to remember that social media is often a highlight reel, not a reflection of true, unfiltered reality.

Set Boundaries with Social Media

Limit Time Spent on Platforms: Give yourself permission to disconnect for a period of time. Set specific boundaries, such as limiting social media usage to a set amount of time each day or logging off entirely over the weekend.
Unfollow Accounts that Trigger Negative Emotions: Curate your feed so that it’s filled with positive, uplifting, or supportive content. Follow accounts that inspire self-love, personal growth, or offer authentic perspectives.
Mute or Block Toxic Accounts: If certain accounts consistently make you feel bad about yourself, consider muting or blocking them to avoid unnecessary stress or negativity.

Practice Self-Compassion and Self-Awareness

Avoid Comparisons: Everyone’s journey is unique. Try not to compare your life, achievements, or relationships to the curated images you see online. It’s okay to be at different stages, and your worth isn’t defined by the outward appearances of others.
Reframe Negative Thoughts: When feelings of loneliness or inadequacy arise, challenge those thoughts. Reframe them by reminding yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and the things that make you unique.
Affirmations and Gratitude: Start your day by listing things you’re grateful for, no matter how small. Positive affirmations can help shift your mindset and improve your emotional resilience.

Focus on Real-Life Connections

Quality Time with Loved Ones: Take time this weekend to connect with friends, family, or even pets. Being present with the people you care about can remind you of the support and love that exists in your real life, outside of the virtual world.
Seek Out Social Support: If you’re feeling down or isolated, reach out to someone you trust. Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands can alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Limit Perfectionism in Relationships: It’s important to recognize that not every relationship or moment needs to look perfect. Be open to the imperfections of your interactions, and prioritize quality time over superficial appearances.

Engage in Mindful Activities

Practice Mindfulness: Take time each day to engage in mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These activities can help center your mind, reduce anxiety, and enhance your emotional well-being.
Spend Time in Nature: If possible, take a walk outside, go for a hike, or simply sit in a park. Nature has been shown to have a calming effect and can help reduce stress.
Pursue Hobbies or Personal Interests: Focus on activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, painting, cooking, or engaging in a creative pursuit. Doing something you love can help you disconnect from the pressures of social media and focus on your own well-being.

Recognize and Manage Holiday/Weekend Depression

Acknowledge Holiday Stress: Holidays or weekends can sometimes bring up feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety, especially when social expectations are high. It’s okay to feel not so festive or to need space during these times.
Plan Activities that Make You Feel Good: Choose activities that bring you comfort and joy, whether that’s watching a favorite movie, cooking a favorite meal, or simply relaxing at home.
Allow Yourself to Rest: Don’t pressure yourself to have a busy weekend packed with activities or socializing. Rest and self-care are equally important, and taking time to relax can help prevent burnout.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

Recognize the Need for Professional Support: If you find that social media is significantly impacting your mental health or if feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, or depression are overwhelming, it’s important to seek help. Therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals can provide valuable support.
Online Counseling Options: Many services now offer online therapy, which can be a convenient way to access support from the comfort of your home.
Conclusion:

In today’s digital age, where social media portrays an often-unrealistic view of life, it’s crucial to take active steps to protect our mental health. By setting boundaries with social media, practicing self-compassion, prioritizing real-life connections, and engaging in mindful activities, we can combat the feelings of loneliness and inadequacy that social media can sometimes trigger. Remember, it’s okay to have imperfect moments, and it’s important to take care of your emotional well-being—especially during times when societal pressures, like the weekend or holidays, are in full swing.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ leads India’s largest social impact initiative for cyber safety. It was founded in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of Advisors

Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)

Mission of the Foundation

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities on matters of cyber safety. Foundation also conducts forensics training for law enforcement.

The post HOLIDAY BLUES? IT’S THE INSTAGRAM EFFECT! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

REJECT THAT GIFT! #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:25:00 +0000

REJECT THAT GIFT! #AAH

We love gifts, we love being celebrated. I was away on my birthday this year, when I got back there were so many gifts waiting for me and it instantly made me feel so happy, celebrated, loved. I quickly opened each one and carefully checked the senders for all. Checked out, every single one from people I knew. Cos if there was any from someone I didn’t recognize, I would immediately report & trash it.

Lets understand why. Many reasons but lets explore top few.

There’s a new scam where criminals are sending these gifts anonymously, sometimes even packaged in reputed online store packaging. There is a whole video on my channel explaining how our data is being leaked by various sources whether our watchmen, online store employees, warehouse workers and others.

These criminals zero in on most vulnerable victims and send these gifts. When you receive them, you are happy & curious to know the sender. There will be a QR code inside the box & a message asking you to scan that code to reveal your mystery admirer.

If you fall for this trap and scan the code or that code takes you to another link which you click, it could very well be tata, okay, bye bye to your information, bank accounts, loss of reputation, social profiles…everything awful you can think of.

It could also be physically dangerous to accept unexpected gifts. Someone could send you life threatening stuff that might explode, poison, we just don’t know.

Additionally, if the delivery person behaves annoyed and says that if you don’t accept the gift, he will generate an OTP that will be sent to you which is needed by him. Under any circumstances, do not do so. Again, same threats. Clearly refuse and tell him he can do as he likes, close the door immediately. You can speak to customer service of the online site if package displays one and share your concern.

Remember that not every gift is good news.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ leads India’s largest social impact initiative for cyber safety. It was founded in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of Advisors

Mission of the Foundation

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities on matters of cyber safety. Foundation also conducts forensics training for law enforcement.

The post REJECT THAT GIFT! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

VIDEO GAMES SAFE FOR KIDS? #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:30:55 +0000

VIDEO GAMES SAFE FOR KIDS? #AAH

I have said it earlier and I am saying it again that playing online games is not bad in itself. In fact it teaches team play, strategic thinking, quick decision making and leadership.

However discernment in how much time child is pending playing these games and what kind of information they are sharing with strangers/ other players is what decides if it’s a healthy habit or addiction/ unsafe. Its like a piece of cake once in a while when you have a healthy lifestyle, you are walking, running playing sports is fine but if you have a full size cake every single day you will have diabetes!

First- money and online games. Recently there was an incident where a scammer under false identity connected to a child via an online game and promised to upgrade his game level, also give him more armor/ weapons (lots of games where you need them to defeat your enemy), give them new skin/ clothes.

These scammers monitor how much time the child is spending on the game so that they know how likely he/she is to fall into the trap. Once the child is convinced, they tell the kid that we are sending a link which they need to click may be to agree to terms and you will receive the upgrade.

Child is curious and they immediately click on the link. We all know things that can happen with that single click! Your system can be compromised, all information can be hacked, data on that machine can be stolen. In this particular incident that child’s family pictures and some sensitive data was stolen. Then he was threatened that his parents morphed nude pictures would be circulated online, sensitive information will be disclosed, they will be shamed. Child got scared and even transferred some money via the transactions as strictly monitored by these criminals! Yes, its pretty much possible once they had control of the system.

VIDEOAdditionally, this could also be life threatening. Child predators/ groomers are lurking online to prey on children, their ID could show they are 14 years but they could be pedophiles who could slowly lure the child into meeting them alone at some point with the sole intention of assaulting them. They could also talk the child into sharing information about home, family members, where the valuables are kept for burglary.

Teach these safety measures to your child- all habits in moderation especially consuming online content or playing games. Not to share information with strangers online and even lie when necessary, like oh my mom is always around, I have too many people at home always, I am never alone!

Build a relationship of trust with children. Curious, intelligent children make mistakes. Give them the confidence that they can talk to you. Spend inclusive online time with them to know their interests, friends, games. Do combined activities outdoors. You got this!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

‘Akancha Srivastava Foundation’ leads India’s largest social impact initiative for cyber safety. It was founded in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of Advisors

Mission of the Foundation

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities on matters of cyber safety. Foundation also conducts forensics training for law enforcement.

The post VIDEO GAMES SAFE FOR KIDS? #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

BEWARE VIRTUAL AUTISM! #AAH

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:54:11 +0000

BEWARE VIRTUAL AUTISM! #AAH

Autism is a mental condition in which a person finds it difficult to communicate or form relationships with other people

“मानसिक स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य की वह दशा जिसमें व्‍यक्ति अन्‍य व्‍यक्तियों से संबंध बनाने या उनसे विचारों का आदान-प्रदान करने में कठिनाई अनुभव करता है”

What is virtual autism- Virtual autism is a condition that arises when young children below the age of two are excessively exposed to screens, resulting in ASD-like symptoms such as communication problems and behavior oddities. (https://prayatna.co.in/virtual-autism-how-to-deal-with-it/)

“Most of the time, the child receives only certain sensations (visual and / or auditory) from a virtual environment, and can not correlate these visual and auditory sensations with other types of sensations: vestibular, tactile, odor, tasteless, unable to develop accordingly. In such a child, if they do not intervene early (before 2-3 years), these problems will become more and more acute…”- Cristiana BĂLAN, at “Spiru Haret” University, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences Braşov, Romania

This can lead to speech delay. Cognitive abilities can be affected as well, possibly leading to mental disorders. These issues can affect a child’s ability to negotiate social interactions in the same way neurotypical children might. (https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/children-virtual-autism/)

Excessive screen time can disrupt the natural developmental processes of young children, affecting their social interactions, language development, and cognitive abilities [1]. Increased screen time in young children has been associated with negative health outcomes, including decreased cognitive ability, impaired language development, mood issues, and autistic-like behavior such as hyperactivity, short attention span, and irritability

It was found that even the light-dark rhythms that help the brain produce melatonin, dopamine, and increase a child’s understanding of their relationship to themselves and others can be messed up with too much screen exposure.

These phenomena can cause children to experience screen withdrawal when they are separated from the world they have immersed themselves in for so long. They can lose their ability to sleep properly, interact with others, and can become depressed and even angry. The aggression that can accompany this can further damage their relationships, and leave them with low self esteem.

Virtual autism can also result in hyperactivity-like behaviours in affected children. Increased screen time has been associated with short attention spans and hyperactivity. Some common hyperactivity challenges experienced by children with virtual autism include:

Restlessness and difficulty sitting still.
Impulsivity and acting without considering consequences.
Difficulty following instructions and rules.
Rapidly shifting attention between tasks.
Impaired attention span and focus.
Delayed speech and language development.
Difficulties in understanding and processing information.
Challenges with problem-solving and critical thinking.
Frequent tantrums and meltdowns.
Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Agitation and frustration in response to changes or transitions.
Difficulty regulating emotions and expressing needs.

They are not situationally aware, absent minded, might have frequent injuries, falls, not paying attention to what they are doing/ walking- very dangerous

“To limit the time spent by the child in front of the TV, tablet, computer, mobile phone, parents should adhere to certain rules:

Make a daily schedule to follow with the child.
Establish rules for the use of the TV, the computer, and the phone by the child
Remove any gadget from the child’s visual contact
Offering rewards when the child respects the daily schedule
Building a special place in the house with exciting things that can be used when the child gets bored and wishes to play on the tablet. So the focus will be on something new
The TV and the computer will be closed while homework is being done
TV shows, computer games will be chosen with discernment Physical activities, walking will be of great significance

Physical activities have a major impact on the emotional development of the child. Emotional health is very important for the development of the child and can be greatly stimulated by movement. With the help of sport, the child grows physically, mentally and emotionally fulfilled. Sport stimulates interactions. With the help of it, children will learn to be patient with others, to wait for their turn, to be responsible, to respect others, to be accountable, to cope with unexpected situations, to adapt more easily. And last but not least, they will make friends of the same age with them and with similar passions.”

Getting kids’ out in the world is a good step in the right direction. Social interaction with peers, moving their bodies, playing and exploring the world in a hands-on way can boost brain development and mood. This can prevent virtual autism symptoms, as well as reduce them.

We learned above that the children who had the most effects from too much screen exposure were the ones who lacked parent-child interaction.

We must look for ways to increase our child’s movement and interaction. The more activities we do that combine movement, social skills, and sensory input the better.

Here are some suggestions of things we can do with our children:

Yoga
Puzzles
Fishing
Board games
Building blocks
Hiking
Cooking
Drawing or colouring
Visiting an aquarium or zoo
Going to the beach

Spend time with children, be observant. Any exhibit of isolation, increased irritability, inability to express should be addressed immediately.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

(Some references are taken from online journals)

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